Waterclerk

What does a Waterclerk do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Waterclerk works within the shipping industry, coordinating and administering loading and unloading processes for ships in ports. The role involves daily contact with shipping companies, freight forwarders, port personnel, and authorities to ensure that all documents, permits, and transports are handled correctly. Tasks often include arrival and departure reporting, customs handling, invoicing, and ongoing problem-solving in the logistics chain. The work environment for a Waterclerk is both office-based and port-adjacent, requiring flexibility and the ability to handle time pressure, especially during rapid changes or unforeseen events in shipping traffic.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Waterclerk has shown a steady and positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month, increasing to 37,900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen to 41 100 SEK, corresponding to an increase of approximately 10.8% over three years. The trend reflects a growing demand for logistics knowledge and specialized skills within shipping, as well as increased responsibility in the role. Differences in education level and work experience have also contributed to salary variation, where higher education and longer experience are often rewarded with higher pay. The market's need for flexible and language-proficient employees continues to drive salary development in the profession.

Waterclerk salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,900 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 50,000 SEK/month (male, employed in private sector, post-secondary education of at least 3 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 247 SEK
• Men's average salary: 43 000 SEK
• Women's average salary: 38900 SEK
• Women earn: 90% of men's salaries
• Regional differences: No reliable data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a Waterclerk, a high school education in logistics, transportation, or trade is usually required, but many employers also seek post-secondary studies in shipping, logistics, or forwarding. Practical experience from port or logistics work is often advantageous, and good language skills, especially in English, are essential for handling international contacts. Industry-specific courses and certifications can increase employability and enable faster career development.

• High school education: Transport, trade, or logistics (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: YH/KY or university in logistics/forwarding (2–3 years)
• Certifications: Industry-specific courses in document handling and customs regulations
• Internship/Trainee: Common in larger ports and shipping companies
• Language skills: English required, additional languages are advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Many Waterclerk positions offer additional allowances for unsociable hours, overtime pay, and sometimes wellness allowances and insurance. Some employers also provide training support, opportunities for skill development, and pension contributions as part of the employment package.

Challenges and competition

The Waterclerk profession is characterized by high competition for the most attractive positions, especially in larger ports and shipping companies. Since the role requires good administrative skills, language proficiency, and flexibility, the most experienced and educated tend to secure the best jobs. The industry is affected by changes in global trade, digitalization, and new regulations, which demand continuous skill development. Additionally, irregular working hours can be a challenge for many. Shifts in trade flows and increased automation may impact demand in the long term, but currently, there remains a stable need within the profession.

Tips for aspiring Waterclerk

To succeed as a Waterclerk, it is good to be meticulous and resilient, as the workday often involves quick decisions and many simultaneous tasks. Developing strong language skills, especially in English, facilitates communication with international actors and increases employability. Flexibility is an important trait, as the work may involve irregular hours and urgent responses to unforeseen events. It is also wise to seek internships or trainee programs to gain practical experience and build contacts in the industry. Staying updated on laws and regulations in shipping and logistics is crucial, as these often change rapidly. The ability to collaborate and solve problems with others is also central, since much of the work is team-based and under time pressure.

Key facts about Waterclerk

• Education level: High school education in logistics, often supplemented with post-secondary studies
• Work environment: Combination of office and port area, often with irregular hours
• Typical employment: Full-time, sometimes shift or on-call work
• Demand: About 550 job openings reported recently
• Special skills: Customs handling, document management, and English

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a Waterclerk, there are good opportunities to advance to more qualified roles, such as freight forwarder, transportation manager, or logistics manager within the shipping sector. Some choose to further their education in international logistics or port management to take additional steps in their careers. According to the latest forecast from the Employment Service, no specific assessment is made for the Waterclerk profession, but the entire group of freight forwarders and transport brokers reported around 550 job vacancies, indicating a stable job market. Digitalization and increased automation may influence the future, but the need for qualified personnel for coordination and problem-solving is expected to remain for the foreseeable future.

Common questions about Waterclerk

• What does a Waterclerk earn?
  - A Waterclerk has an average salary of 41 100 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and gender.
• How does the salary development look for Waterclerk?
  - The salary has increased from 37,100 SEK in 2022 to 41 100 SEK in 2024, corresponding to an increase of approximately 10.8% over three years.
• What education is required to become a Waterclerk?
  - The minimum requirement is a high school education in logistics or trade, but post-secondary studies and industry-specific courses improve chances of employment.
• Are there differences in salary between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 90% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What does the job market look like for Waterclerk?
  - There are about 550 job openings within the profession, indicating relatively good employment opportunities.
• What are the most common tasks for a Waterclerk?
  - Managing ship arrivals, handling documents and customs matters, as well as coordinating logistics and communication between different actors.
• Can one advance within the profession?
  - Yes, with experience and further education, a Waterclerk can advance to roles such as freight forwarder, transportation manager, or logistics manager.